Revue des arts et des sciences sociales

The Dilemma Involved in the Quest for Gender Parity: An Expository Analysis

Abstract

Falana TC

One global social phenomenon that has always been with man ever since human started living in the society
is the odious reality of gender disparity and inordinate distinction between the two genders. We live in a world
where socially and culturally constructed and behavioural patterns and expectations from the complementary sexes
could be described as not having any leverage on natural differentiation, and perhaps repugnant to equity, natural
justice and fairness. However, the persistency and ubiquity of this pervasive social malady has made it made
apparently appear normal universally. Notwithstanding the delusive nature of the age of gender-based disparities,
over the last decades, feminist from around the globe have staged a formidable crusade against the status quo.
This crude which may be aptly construed as subtitle but revolutionary is gaining momentum as time progresses.
However, certain unresolved issues unarguably have made this heroic quest for gender parity a dilemmatic task.
The researcher employs expository analytic method and the normative method to critically engage this herculean
dilemma. Employing the expository analytic method, the paper reveals that what makes the quest for gender parity
a herculean task is that first, feminists have not come to term and compromise with what they mean by equality;
second globally a whooping majority of women seem not only to be enjoying the status quo, but also they are
apparently comfortable and therefore indifferent to the quest for equality and parity. With the normative method, the
researcher prescribes that man and women should in all respect be treated with equal dignity in the family and other
social structures and superstructures. Role differentiation should not be gender-based, rather it must be based on
dispositions, cognate abilities and competence.